One day, at the end of June 2016, everything changed: following torrential downpours, the Berkel, a normally tranquil river in the town of Stadtlohn in Münsterland, Germany, suddenly burst its banks. Many buildings were flooded for days, including the private daycare centre ‘Kindertagesstätte Spielkiste e.V.’, housed in a historic building located right on the riverside. The extent of the damage was soon clear for all to see: the house, which dates back to the turn of the century, had been completely destroyed by the water and had to be demolished. And just like that, 18 boys and girls aged from one to six and their teachers were left homeless. “It was an unbelievable shock and we really did not know what would happen next,” recalls Anika D., vice chair of the daycare centre’s board of trustees. But giving up was out of the question. After finding temporary accommodation for the children at a nearby school, a plan to demolish the dilapidated old building and build a new daycare centre was put into motion. With support from the authorities in Stadtlohn and donations from both local companies and individuals, the project was eventually able to be implemented within the town.

Parador supported the project by providing its exceptionally environmentally friendly Eco Balance PUR Oak Avant sanded flooring. “The flooring is just perfect, as it is easy to clean and robust. This means the children can play however they like without any visible scratches or blemishes. Plus, it is incredibly quiet,” enthuses Christiane B., the head of the daycare centre. Unsurprisingly, the girls and boys of Spielkiste are over the moon with their new old daycare centre: “It is really great to be back here,” agree the little ones. And why shouldn’t it be, with the warm, cosy flooring in their newly designed rooms offering a wonderful space to play and grow up.

Click through the photo gallery and find out more about the project!

The parents from the ‘Spielkiste e.V.’ private daycare centre set about laying the floor with gusto.

The underlay ensures the perfect foundations for the floor to be laid on.